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Travelers are urged to use caution as well as prepare for travel delays in many parts of the world:

INDIA - India's e-Visa program is to be extended from 30 to 180 days, the country's tourism minister has announced. The program, unveiled in August, should make the process of obtaining a visa easier and cheaper as travellers will not have to make an appointment at the embassy and the cost will be reduced from Ł89.44 to Ł39. Proposals are also in place to make it available in 150 countries - up from 113 - and to ensure multiple and double entry. Under the program, visas will not be issued immediately - once an online application is submitted, travellers can expect to receive entry documents via email within three days. Speaking at the World Travel Market in London this week, Travellers entering India on an e-visa must arrive at one of 16 designated airports, which include Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai. Biometric data, including fingerprinting, will be collected on arrival at the border. The Indian government said e-Tourist visas are only valid for recreation, sightseeing, meeting friends or family, short duration medical treatment, or for a casual business visit.

UNITED KINGDOM / SCOTLAND - British Airways is launching a daily Heathrow-Inverness service from next year. The route, which is resuming more than 15 years after BA ended it for commercial reasons, will start on May 3. The year-round service will depart Heathrow T5 at 0955 and arrive in Inverness at 1130. The return journey leaves at 1210 and arrives back in London at 1340. It will be operated by a 143-seat Airbus A319.

EGYPT/UNITED KINGDOM - (Update) The UK government has announced that flights between the UK and Sharm el Sheikh International Airport in Egypt's South Sinai governorate will resume on 6 November. Persons travelling to the UK will only be allowed hand-held luggage. Additional luggage will be transported separately. Flights to Sharm el-Sheikh reportedly remain suspended. The resumption of flights follows a suspension of flights due to security concerns following a major aviation crash on 31 October in the central Sinai Peninsula, which the UK believes was caused by a bomb planted on-board the plane. A number of other countries have also followed the UK's lead and suspended flights to and from Sharm el Sheikh, including Ireland and the Netherlands. The investigation into the crash is still ongoing. Despite claims by Islamist militants that they were responsible for the crash no evidence has been presented publicly to this effect. The restriction of flights to and from Sharm el Sheikh is expected to continue over the near-term and until foreign governments are satisfied that security is sufficient at the airport. Clients intending to travel to and from Sharm el Sheikh International Airport over the near-term are advised to check the status of their flight(s) with their travel provider or airline. Persons transiting the airport should anticipate increased security and prepare for delays in baggage processing. Persons concerned about their security while transiting the airport or residing in the resort should contact their security provider for further information and guidance.

INDONESIA - (Update) The Ngurah Rai International Airport, on Indonesia's island of Bali, has re-opened on 6 November. However, Virgin Australia and Jetstar, which operate flights between Australia and Indonesia, remain grounded. Elsewhere, Lombok International Airport, on Lombok island, is to remain closed until early 7 November, while operations at Blimbingsari Airport, which serves Banyuwangi, in East Java province, have resumed on 6 November. The closure of the airports was due to ongoing volcanic activity and ash emissions at Mount Rinjani, in Lombok. The eruption has resulted in hundreds of flight cancellations in recent days. A number of regional and international airlines have also cancelled flights to other airports in the wider region. It is unclear when the volcanic activity will cease. As such, disruptions may extend for a number of days. Shifting winds may also lead to ash emissions, impacting on air travel routes and airports across the region, including outside of areas already affected. Persons travelling by air to or from Indonesia over the near-term are advised to check the status of their flight(s) with their travel provider or airline prior to departure. Travellers transiting the country, particularly in recently-affected areas, should cater for possible delays at ports of arrival/departure.

SWEDEN(STOCKHOLM) - An explosion was reported in Sweden's capital, Stockholm, on 6 November. The explosion is said to have occurred in an unspecified location on Brannkyrkagatan Street, in the Sodermalm area, at approximately 11:40 local time. The cause of the explosion has not yet been established; however, police and emergency personnel are present in the affected area, which has been cordoned off. While the cause of the blast is currently unknown, a gas leak is suspected. Localised disruptions in the vicinity of Brannkyrkagatan Street should be anticipated in the coming hours as initial investigations conclude. Persons in Stockholm are advised to avoid the affected area as a precaution for the immediate-term.

FRANCE(PROVENCE-ALPES-COTE D'AZUR REGION) - Rail workers affiliated with the CGT union are expected to observe strike action against France's national rail operator, the SNCF, in the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur region, on 7 November. Regional, international and inner-city trains, including in Nice, are expected to be significantly disrupted for 24 hours from 01:00 local time. Disruptions, including delays and cancellations, should be anticipated during the work stoppage. Furthermore, an increase in demand for alternate modes of transport is also likely during the strike period. Clients intending to make use of SNCF rail services in the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur region on 7 November are advised to contact their travel provider, or the rail operator directly, for an update on the status of travel arrangements.

TUNISIA(DJERBA) - Taxi drivers initiated a strike on Tunisia's Djerba island on 5 November. The strike is expected to continue on 6 November. The agitation was called by the UTICA labour union, however, the exact reason for the strike is not yet known. Clients intending to utilise taxi services on Djerba on 6 November should contact their travel provider, tour operator or the local transport authority for updates on the status of services and for advice regarding transport alternatives.

ITALY(BOLOGNA) - The opposition Lega Nord (Northern League) is scheduled to hold an anti-government demonstration in the capital of Italy's Emilia-Romagna region, Bologna, on 8 November. Participants are expected to gather at the city's Piazza Maggiore from 12:00 local time. The event will also be attended by other right-wing groups, as well as former prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi. Anti-government protests periodically take place in Italy. The forthcoming demonstration is expected to be well attended; as such, localised travel disruptions are anticipated in and around the vicinity of Piazza Maggiore. Moreover, such gatherings are susceptible to violence due to disruptive elements infiltrating otherwise peaceful gatherings. Persons in Bologna on 8 November are advised to avoid the upcoming demonstration as a precaution against civil unrest. Clients are also advised to expect localised travel disruptions and plan accordingly.

CHILE/PERU - Chilean authorities have implemented travel restrictions at the Chacalluta border crossing in the Arica and Parinacota Region of Chile until 28 November. The measures are expected to restrict travel from Monday to Friday between 22:00 and 15:00 local time in Chile and between 00:00 and 05:00 local time in Peru. These restrictions exclude weekend operations and have been implemented to facilitate demining activities on Chilean territory. The Chilean military in co-operation with the police have embarked on a demining programme to remove landmines left over from the previous Pinochet military regime. Clients scheduled to transit via the Chacalluta/Santa Rosa border crossing are advised to plan accordingly as to accommodate the restriction times.

TURKEY - The Group of Communities in Kurdistan (KCK), a coalition of Kurd groups, including the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), announced on 5 November that it had ended a unilateral ceasefire it declared prior to the 1 November national election in Turkey. The announcement follows the incumbent Justice and Development Party (AKP) victory at the recent poll and recent statements by the party leadership that it would be continuing military operations against the PKK and the Islamic State (IS) through the forthcoming winter period. The AKP victory has provided the party with a fresh mandate to pursue non-state armed groups in the country. An escalation in conflict in the south east and counterterrorism raids in major cities in the country should be anticipated over the near-term. The PKK is also likely to step up armed activity against the Turkish state. In the south east, the provinces of Diyarbakir, Van, Sirnak and Hakkari, are likely to see an uptick in related violence. The PKK may also seek to increase the frequency of attacks in main urban centres elsewhere in Turkey, including tourist areas. It is currently unclear if the Turkish government will seek to increase its engagement of IS forces in their northern Syria strongholds. Clients are advised against all travel to within 10km of the shared border with Syria in the Turkish provinces of Hatay, Kilis, Gaziantep, Sanliurfa, Mardin and Sirnak, due to the threat of conflict spillover from Syria and an increased risk of terrorism. Heightened caution is advised elsewhere in these provinces. Clients are further advised against all non-essential travel to the provinces of Diyarbakir, Van, Sirnak and Hakkari. Heightened caution is advised in other eastern and south eastern provinces of Turkey, particularly in rural areas. These provinces include Ardahan, Agri, Kars, Igdir, Siirt, Batman, Bitlis, Mus, Bingol, Elazig, Erzincan, Tunceli and Erzurum. Persons operating in southern and south east Turkey should consider obtaining itinerary specific security recommendations and assessments from their security provider prior to travel.

GUATEMALA(GUATEMALA CITY) - At least three armed attacks targeting public busses were reported in Guatemala's capital, Guatemala City, on 5 November. The incidents, which have been attributed to local gangs, were reported in Zona 6 and Zona 13. A number of passengers and drivers were wounded in the shooting attacks. Attacks against public transport vehicles are common in Guatemala's cities. The incidents are typically attributed to organised crime and linked to extortion cases. Persons operating in Guatemala should seek to limit travel on public transport. Where possible, consider travelling with a trusted local contact. All travel at night should be avoided and travel in lower-income areas should be limited.

HAITI - (Update) The Provisional Election Council (CEP) released the preliminary presidential election results in Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince, on 5 November. According to the first round of results, Jovenel Moise from the ruling, Haitian Tet Kale Party (PHTK) and Jude Celestin from the League for Progress and Emancipation of Haiti (LAPEH) will contest for the presidential seat in the second round of elections scheduled for 27 December. Former senator Jean-Charles Moise who had laid claims of election fraud was placed in third place. Supporters of Senator Moise burned tyres and barricaded several streets in Port-au-Prince in response to the election results. Police forces resorted in using heavy-handed tactics to disperse the crowd, allegedly fatally wounding one protester. The senator has since called on his supporters to participate in peaceful protests. There is a high risk of civil unrest in Haiti. Election-related protest action carries an elevated risk of violence, with clashes between police and protesters, and among opposing groups of protesters to be expected. As such, the possibility of violence occurring at any upcoming protests, particularly in Port-au-Prince, Arcahaie, Cap-Haitien and Petit Goave cannot be discounted. Robust security measures are likely to remain in place over the near-term; these measures include security checkpoints, random identification checks, road closures and other movement-restrictive security measures. Furthermore, travel disruptions should also be expected in protest-affected areas. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Haiti due to a number of security concerns. Persons in the country, specifically the aforementioned places, are advised to monitor local developments and to avoid all politically motivated gatherings and concentrations of security force personnel. Furthermore clients are advised to exercise heightened caution and to avoid political party offices.

BELGIUM(DENDERMONDE) - PEGIDA, the far-right anti-Islam group, is expected to stage a protest against the presence of refugees in an abbey school in Dendermonde, in East Flanders, on 6 November. Participants are expected to gather outside the school, on Oude Vest Street, at an unspecified time in the evening. Far-right groups periodically hold protests and demonstrations in Belgium, often prompting counter-demonstrations by rival groups. In addition, violent confrontations involving participants, counter-demonstrators and/or security forces have taken place in the past. The possibility of similar clashes marring the upcoming demonstration cannot be dismissed. Furthermore, the potential for skirmishes is assessed to be elevated at this time due to heightened tensions regarding the European refugee crisis. Persons in Dendermonde on 6 November are advised to avoid the upcoming rally, as well as any counter-demonstrations, as a standard precaution. Itineraries should be kept flexible in order to make allowances for localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of any protest gatherings.

BAHRAIN(SITRA, CENTRAL GOVERNORATE)- The UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has warned of unauthorised protest action in Sitra, located in the Central governorate of Bahrain, on 6 November. The protest is expected to be held at 20:00 local time. Further details are unavailable. The protest is likely initiated by Shiite Muslim opposition parties or activists; these groups hold regular anti-government protests in the country to demand the release of political prisoners and reforms. Demonstrations are prone to low-level acts of violence, directed by militant supporters of these groupings against state interests, or by the police against protesters. Police-initiated violence is more likely to occur if protesters block major roads or march in Sunni areas. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Bahrain, excluding Manama, Bahrain International Airport and main roads leading from the airport to the capital. Unaccompanied travel at night outside of secure areas in all locations is advised against. All street protests should be avoided.

ROMANIA - Nightly mass anti-government demonstrations remain possible in Romania's major urban centres following Victor Ponta's 4 November resignation from the office of prime minister. These are to be expected despite the appointment of former Education Minister Sorin Mihai Campeanu as the interim prime minister by President Klaus Iohannis on 6 November. Protesters, who organise gatherings via social media, continue to demand an overhaul of the country's political system, despite the resignation of Ponta and his government. The largest protests have been reported in the capital, Bucharest, where thousands of people gathered in University Square during the evenings of 3, 4 and 5 November. Related demonstrations have also been reported in outlying districts of the capital, as well as in the cities of Ploiesti, Cluj, Timisoara, Constanta, Brasov and elsewhere. The anti-government protests were prompted by a deadly fire at a nightclub, on 30 October, and organised to coincide with the 4 November publication of a new law aimed at improving the safety standards of local clubs. The incident has generated widespread public outrage as the offending nightclub is believed to have obtained its operating license illegally. Major demonstrations following allegations of high-level corruption have taken place on several occasions in Romania's recent history. The country is assessed by Transparency International, which measures perceptions of corruption, as having moderate to high levels of corruption. Indeed, Ponta is currently facing a trial following his indictment on 17 September in a wide-reaching crackdown on corruption. It should be noted that protests in Romania frequently occur with little advanced warning and are usually well attended. Despite this, violent incidents have not been reported. Clients in and intending on travelling to Romania in the near-term should monitor media broadcasts for updates on political developments and possible protests. All protests and related gatherings should be avoided as a precaution.

SPAIN(MADRID) - Numerous feminist activist groups are set to stage a major demonstration against the abuse of women, in Madrid, from 12:00 local time on 7 November. Participants are expected to gather at the Ministry of Health building on Paseo del Prado, one of the main boulevards of the city, before proceeding to Plaza de Espana for a rally. The march is expected to be well attended and will likely result in significant travel disruptions in the busy Paseo del Prado area. Although an elevated police presence is expected, violent clashes are not anticipated. Persons in Madrid on 7 November are advised to avoid all related gatherings as a standard precaution. Localised travel disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of demonstration-affected sites.

REPUBLIC OF CONGO(BRAZZAVILLE) - Opposition parties and civic movements have called for a protest rally in the Republic of Congo's capital, Brazzaville, on 7 November. Although the start and end times of the gathering have not been confirmed, the event will take place in the city's Boulevard des Armees. The rally is the latest in a series of anti-government demonstrations to be held in the aftermath of the 25 October referendum, the results of which allow President Denis Sassou-Nguesso to amend the constitution, removing a clause which limits the president to two successive terms in office. This will allow Sassou-Ngeusso to run for re-election in 2016. In addition to the 7 November gathering, opposition and civic leaders are calling for weekly countrywide demonstrations to be held every Monday, Thursday and Friday. These rallies are planned to be held until Sassou-Ngeusso abandons his plan to amend the constitution. The demonstrations carry an elevated risk of violent confrontations between activists and security forces. Persons in the Republic of Congo are advised to revise contingency plans and avoid all protests and related gatherings. Clients are further advised to anticipate disruptions to internet, mobile and other communication services on protest days.

TAIWAN(TAIPEI) - Additional protests are expected in Taiwan over a meeting between the country's president, Ma Ying-jeou, and China's President Xi Jinping, in Singapore on 7 November. This is the first meeting to take place since Taiwan separated from China in 1949. In Taiwan, where anti-Chinese sentiment is strong among a large proportion of the population, hundreds of protesters have demonstrated outside Legislative Yuan, the country's legislative building, located on Zhongshan Road, in the capital, Taipei, in recent days. Thus far the protests have remained largely peaceful; however, they may escalate in intensity on 7 November, especially in light of the fact that Ma seeks closer relations with China, a highly emotive and unpopular stance with many Taiwanese nationals. Although widespread violence is not expected at these protests, given the likelihood of an increased security force presence in place to manage the protests, localised disruptions should be anticipated. Clients in Taiwan in the coming days should monitor local developments and avoid all protest action as a precaution.

COSTA RICA(SAN JOSE) - The activist group, Ya no mas Recope, has called for a rally in Costa Rica's capital, San Jose, on 8 November. The rally will take place at the Plaza de la Democracia from 09:30 local time. The gathering has been called to denounce recent agreements between the government and labour unions. The gathering is expected to be well attended. A recent gathering held by the group attracted 3,000 participants. The demonstration is likely to conclude without major incident; however, low-level confrontations between protesters and the security forces remains possible. Travellers should anticipate localised road travel disruptions in the vicinity of the Plaza de la Democracia on 8 November. Clients are advised to avoid all street protests as a precaution. Persons operating in the vicinity of Plaza de la Democracia on 8 November should cater for potential road travel delays.

NETHERLANDS(UTRECHT) - An anti-Islamisation rally is set to take place in Utrecht, approximately 50km south east of Amsterdam, on 8 November. The demonstration is expected to take place in Vredenburg square. Precedent suggests that unsanctioned counter-demonstrations will take place in the vicinity of the protest. An elevated security force presence should be expected. Far-right groups periodically hold protests and demonstrations in the Netherlands, often prompting counter-demonstrations by rival groups. Violent confrontations involving participants and counter-demonstrators took place at a previous related event on 11 October. The possibility of similar clashes marring the upcoming demonstration cannot be dismissed. Furthermore, the potential for skirmishes is assessed to be elevated at this time due to heightened tensions regarding the European refugee crisis. Persons in Utrecht on 8 November are advised to avoid the

BULGARIA - (Update) Further protest action by unionised police officers is possible in major urban centres across Bulgaria on 8 November. The protesters are demanding improved wages and labour conditions. While a demonstration has been confirmed for 13:00 local time in Sofia Square in the capital, Sofia, precedent suggests that protesters will attempt to blockade major intersections and national highways in multiple cities. Related protest blockades are possible in Haskovo, Plovdiv, Pazardzhik, Ruse, Pernik, Varna and Gabrovo on the day. Protests and demonstrations take place periodically in Bulgaria. Although the majority of protests conclude without incident, violent unrest has occurred on occasion. Due to the nature of the planned protest, significant travel disruptions in the affected urban centres should be anticipated. Clients in Bulgaria are advised to avoid all street protests and related gatherings in addition to planning for associated travel delays.

EQUATORIAL GUINEA(BATA) - Activists of the opposition Independent Candidacy movement are scheduled to hold a protest rally in Equatorial Guinea's port city, Bata, on 8 November. The gathering is expected to take place at the city's Plaza de Libertad at 10:00 local time. The movement has organised the rally to demand the party's recognition ahead of the country's 2016 presidential elections; however, the local authorities have allegedly banned the rally due to unspecified security concerns. It remains unclear as to whether the group will proceed with the event despite not receiving the requisite sanction. Attempts to do so could see the gathering being forcibly dispersed by security forces, which could spark retaliatory acts of violence by activists. Clients in Bata on 8 November are advised to avoid the protest as a precaution and should ensure that itineraries are kept flexible if travelling in the vicinity of the Plaza de Libertad.

BRAZIL - Truck drivers linked to the National Transport Command in Brazil have called for the start of a countrywide strike of indefinite duration from 9 November. The strike is being called in response to demands regarding freight rates and fuel subsidies. Precedent suggests that, in addition to the labour strike, truck drivers will seek to block major road routes in the country. Motorists in Brazil from 9 November should monitor local media for updates and advisories regarding any possible roadblocks in their area of travel. Motorists should cater for potential delays if travelling during this period.

INDIA/NEPAL/SRI LANKA/BHUTAN/BANGLADESH/BALI/MAURITIUS - Hindu communities across India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Bali in Indonesia, and Mauritius will celebrate the festival of Diwali from 10 to 15 November, although the exact dates may vary by region. Diwali, popularly known as the 'festival of lights', is one of the most significant holidays on the Hindu calendar and is typically characterised by festivities in urban centres. Large-scale celebratory events are expected in urban centres, which may impact on localised travel. Government offices, banks and many businesses will close or operate on reduced hours. Furthermore, these events tend to attract large crowds, which can further exacerbate travel disruptions and result in an elevated threat of petty crime. Within India, security is likely to be heightened at government installations and at crowded public venues, where celebratory events will be held. These measures will be put in place to counter the threat posed by various Islamist extremist groups, which have attempted to disrupt public festivities in the past. However, it should be noted that authorities in India have not indicated if such a threat has been made by any Islamist extremist groups. Clients in the aforementioned countries should exercise heightened situational awareness, due to the elevated threat of petty crime. Localised travel disruptions should be anticipated, due to increased security measures in the states. Clients in India, specifically, are advised to report all suspicious persons, packages and/or vehicles to local authorities immediately.

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